A first and important step in the Creative Growth project is to perform a mapping of the creative sector in our regions. The mapping will provide us with information on what the creative sector is, showing its potentials and challenges based on qualitative and quantitative facts. This mapping will then serve as the basis for coming activities by identifying what topics and measures we need to focus on to further develop the creative sector as a key driver for economic development and growth.

Mapping the creative sector has a two folded purpose within the Creative Growth project. The mapping will give an important basic understanding of how the creative sector is organized and functioning in each region, and if there are some special features in the different regions.

This will help understanding choices made and measures taken in the regions in order to strengthen and enhancing the creative sector. The outcome of the mapping will also serve as a basis when identifying and choosing topics for the work of the thematic working groups which is the following step in the project. Here experience and best practise will be shared on business support services and solutions.

The mapping is done in two different ways – a qualitative part and a quantitative part at both regional and interregional level to make comparisons possible between regions.

In the quantitative part we use already available statistics from each region and country to get an overview of mainly economic structure and development of the creative sector. Using statistics is a way to rather easily give an overview of the sector in each region, according to, for instance, number of companies, number of employed or turnover. A large challenge has been to define a common definition of what the creative sector is and to find available comparable data in all regions.

In the qualitative part of the mapping information will be gathered on topics where there is no statistical data available, this to give a more complex picture of the creative sector. This includes topics as for example education, the role of NGO:s, business support structures, and regional profiles of the creative sector. This information is gathered in a structured manner to allow comparisons between the regions, as well as in ways unique to each region for a more detailed description of the creative sector in the regions.

The mapping will result in a description of the creative sector in each region: how it is organized, what are the strong and weak points of the sector, where to find development possibilities etc. A joint analysis will also be made to understand differences between the regions and different measures taken. The mapping will be followed by a benchmarking phase and a final phase of interregional seminars focusing on creativity as a catalyst for regional competitiveness.

Mapping the Creative Sector

The part 1 mapping activity of the Creative Growth project has now been finalised. The result is two joint publications: an extensive joint report describing the key characteristics of the creative sector in the individual partner regions and comparing quantitative and statistical data. In addition, a lighter edition that compares the partner regions on qualitative parameters.

The reports provide evidence that the creative sector is of considerable importance in all the regions that take part in the project. The joint studies show and describe both great similarities and significant differences across the regions.

View and download the reports here:

Qualitative report with executive summary:

The part 1 mapping activity of the Creative Growth project has now been finalised. The result is two joint publications: an extensive joint report describing the key characteristics of the creative sector in the individual partner regions and comparing quantitative and statistical data. In addition, a lighter edition that compares the partner regions on qualitative parameters.

The reports provide evidence that the creative sector is of considerable importance in all the regions that take part in the project. The joint studies show and describe both great similarities and significant differences across the regions.